Rigby5
Diamond Member
No. No he didn't at all. Where did you get such a nonsense idea?
At the time it was well known that people who were infected with cowpox did not get small pox. They were sick for a few days but did not die, suffer debilitating illness or scarring. Washington ordered that pus from cowpox be administered to his army. He never ordered anyone in his troops to take the inoculations.
It was quite impossible for Washington to make such a ridiculous order. What would he do with dissenters? Dishonorable discharge? The men were free to walk away and many did. Don't try selling actual silly stuff.
Wrong.
Jenner did not discover cowpox and use it for a vaccine for another 20 years plus.
Washington did NOT order cowpox infection, but ACTUAL smallpox deliberate infection.
They got the smallpox infection from old sores of those recovering, with the hope if being mild, but it WAS smallpox, NOT cowpox.